Tenterden appeals to travellers looking to explore history on different scales: at a medieval church, along the High Street and through the story of the railway. There are also two circular walks heading north, with clearly stated distances. When planning your stay, you can weigh up whether architecture, railway history or a particular walking distance should take priority.
Church, High Street and Railway History
St Mildred’s Church is a medieval church, and its distinctive tower shapes Tenterden’s skyline. It provides an architectural focal point in the townscape. Anyone interested in architectural history can complement a look at this individual church building with a broader view of the buildings along the High Street.
The Tenterden Heritage Trails run the full length and breadth of Tenterden High Street, showcasing the varied architectural styles of its buildings. In contrast to the church, whose distinctive tower shapes the townscape, the trails draw attention to the different building styles along the street. In this way, a single medieval building and a varied streetscape offer two distinct ways of exploring the town’s history.
The history of the railway also has a personal connection: the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Lt-Col Holman F Stephens (1868–1931). He built and managed the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Those interested in the history of the railway can therefore also learn about the person behind its development.
The Kent & East Sussex Railway
The Kent & East Sussex Railway runs along a ten-and-a-half-mile route between Tenterden and Bodiam. These two named endpoints provide a clear framework for the railway line, offering a different way to explore the surrounding area from the circular walks that head north from Tenterden.
At the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s main station in Tenterden, visitors can buy tickets, learn about the railway’s history and then board a preserved steam or diesel train. These visitor options may vary depending on the operating timetable. If you plan your visit around one of them, check the timetable in advance.
Two Circular Walks North of Tenterden
The Millponds Walk is a 3.9-mile (6.3 km) circular route. It heads north from Tenterden through the surrounding countryside. The Readers Bridge Walk is also a circular route and heads north from Tenterden station; it is 5.1 miles (8.2 km) long. Both routes therefore head in the same direction and are circular, but differ in length and starting point.
Based on the stated distances, the Millponds Walk is 1.2 miles (1.9 km) shorter. This is a helpful comparison when choosing between the two routes: their lengths can be compared directly, while their starting points differ. The Millponds Walk starts in Tenterden, while the Readers Bridge Walk starts at the station.
Distance alone does not determine which route better suits your plans; also consider each route’s starting point. Check the path conditions before setting out, as recommended for both routes. This way, you can factor in the distance and starting point without confusing the two circular walks.
Discover more destinations: Brenchley, Smarden, Folkestone, Deal, Cliffs End, Plaxtol, Stone, Elham.
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